Posted 2007-12-05 6:54 AM (#72421) Subject: Batteries over winter?
Veteran
Posts: 212 Location: novinger, mo
We keep our LQ plugged in all winter. Is this the best way for the batteries? It is winterized, no heat on. Also, what about the battery shutoff inside the trailer. Should that be off or on?
(Last winter we had mice get in and live on top of the inverter/converter. Probably because it was warm? They made an unholy mess throughout the trailer. Hopefully, we have rodent-proofed it this winter).
Posted 2007-12-05 7:04 AM (#72422 - in reply to #72421) Subject: RE: Batteries over winter?
Regular
Posts: 76 Location: Holly Mi
I usually plug mine in for a week or two then uplug for a week or two. The converter charger may not know when to shut down and then it will over charge your batteries. Left mine plugged in too long this summer and ended up having to buy two new batteries. Since I had to buy new batteries I went with two six volt at the recommendation of this board.
Posted 2007-12-05 9:19 AM (#72430 - in reply to #72421) Subject: RE: Batteries over winter?
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
As long as the batteries are charged, they will not freeze or be damaged. If you have a battery shut off switch, turn it off. If you don't, take off the red positive cable at your batteries. This will eliminate any unnecessary discharge.
Running your camper converter/inverter for about an hour once every month or so will recharge the batteries' voltage loss from storage. The inverter does not have to be on all the time, and as stated could result in an overheating condition. Some LQs have a charging/battery indicator which will give a voltage readout. Monitor this (with the switch on or battery connected) and you will know if your battery voltage has decreased.
There are small bridge chargers commonly used for long time storage of automobiles and boats, that will also work on RV applications. They will maintain the small losses over time, and when used constantly will not overcharge a charged battery. They just clip on the battery terminals and cost about $20. An inexpensive volt ohm meter can be purchased almost everywhere and can be used to measure the battery's voltage if your LQ doesn't have a read out.
If your batteries are allowed to discharge to the point where they will freeze, they will be damaged and need to be replaced. If they are constantly overcharged, the internal plates will warp and they will also need to be replaced. You need to find a happy medium. A monthly inspection and charge will maintain a healthy battery, insuring a long life span.
Posted 2007-12-05 4:27 PM (#72469 - in reply to #72421) Subject: RE: Batteries over winter?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383 Location: Texas
Remember that if you use the battery cutoff switch the batteries won't get charged when you plug the converter in. Many of the newer converter/chargers won't overcharge your batteries but you need to know hat you've got before you just leave it plugged in all the time.
Posted 2007-12-05 7:59 PM (#72484 - in reply to #72472) Subject: RE: Batteries over winter?
Expert
Posts: 2828 Location: Southern New Mexico
PUT DRYER SHEETS ALL OVER IN THE TRAILER THE MOUSE'S HATE THEM
Not theses New Mexico mice. They got into a box of downy dryer sheets in our camper and built a nest out of them. Right before they chewed into an unopened box of rat posion! The downy sheets couldn't touch the dead mouse smell!!
Posted 2007-12-06 7:44 PM (#72576 - in reply to #72421) Subject: RE: Batteries over winter?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 383 Location: Texas
I'll take the dead mouse smell over chewed wiring and everything else they chew up..... the smell will eventually go away. Too bad they weren't polite enough to go outside to die.
Batteries over winter?
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